There were angry scenes outside Kirklees Magistrates' Court as rival groups - including the far-right English Defence League - staged protests.

Before the arrival of 18 defendants accused of child sexual offences, a handful of anti-racism protesters gathered outside the magistrates' court where they held up Socialist Party placards which said: "Justice not racism. No to the EDL."

One of the protesters said they had gathered to oppose the English Defence League.

A short time later, two men unfurled a large England flag with the motto: "Dewsbury EDL. No Surrender."

Abuse was shouted in the direction of people entering the court and at members of the anti-racism group.

The number of uniformed police officers eventually swelled to around 40. Officers stepped when tempers began rising but there were no arrests.

Officers chatted to protesters on both sides and prevented rival groups getting too close to one another.

There were shouts of "scum" and other abusive words as people entered the court building.